RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 THE ACTION OF PHENOLIC SUBSTANCES ON MOTOR NERVE ENDINGS JF Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics JO J Pharmacol Exp Ther FD American Society for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics SP 41 OP 45 VO 140 IS 1 A1 M. Otsuka A1 Y. Nonomura YR 1963 UL http://jpet.aspetjournals.org/content/140/1/41.abstract AB The mechanism of action of phenolic substances (phenol, catechol and hydroquinone) at the neuromuscular junction was studied. Use was made of intracellular recording of membrane potential and of ionophoretic micro-application of acetylcholine. Phenolic substances greatly increased the size of end-plate potential in curarized nerve-muscle preparation without altering the sensitivity of the end-plate to acetylcholine. Phenols increased the degree of neuromuscular depression. It is concluded that phenolic substances act on motor nerve endings increasing the amount of the transmitter released by a single nerve impulse.